Richard Sackler net worth is $10.7 billion, according to Forbes. Most of his wealth comes from Purdue Pharma, the company behind the controversial painkiller OxyContin. Sackler served as the chairman and president of Purdue Pharma, which has faced widespread criticism for its role in the opioid epidemic in the United States.
Despite Purdue Pharma filing for bankruptcy in 2019, the Sackler family has managed to retain immense wealth. They continue to invest in real estate and other ventures. The Sacklers have faced numerous lawsuits and legal battles due to the opioid crisis, which has claimed thousands of lives.
Richard Sackler, both a businessman and a physician, is a central figure in these controversies. His role in Purdue Pharma has made him a highly debated public figure, with many questioning how much of his fortune should remain untouched.
Richard Sackler Bio/Wiki
| Full Name | Richard Stephen Sackler |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 10, 1945 (age 79 years) |
| Place of Birth | Roslyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Columbia University (BA), New York University (MD) |
| Occupation | Businessman, Physician |
| Known For | Former Chairman and President of Purdue Pharma |
| Spouse | Beth Sackler (divorced) |
| Children | Rebecca Sackler, Marianna Sackler, David Sackler |
| Parents | Raymond Sackler, Beverly Feldman |
| Net Worth | Approximately $10.7 billion (Forbes 2025) |
| Movies | All the Beauty and the Bloodshed |
Who Is Richard Sackler ?
Richard Sackler is an American businessman and physician. He is best known for leading Purdue Pharma, the company behind OxyContin. Under his leadership, OxyContin became widely used for pain management. However, the drug also contributed to the U.S. opioid epidemic.
Sackler served as Purdue Pharma chairman and president for many years. His role in the company brought both fame and controversy. The opioid epidemic led to countless lawsuits against Purdue Pharma. These lawsuits claimed the company downplayed OxyContin’s risks to boost sales.
In 2019, Purdue Pharma filed for bankruptcy amid mounting legal battles. Despite this, Richard Sackler and his family retained significant wealth. His estimated net worth is $10.7 billion as of 2025.
Richard Sackler story remains a topic of public debate. Many blame him for the opioid crisis, while others see him as a skilled businessman. His legacy is both complex and controversial.
Richard Sackler Early Life and Family
Richard Sackler was born in Roslyn, New York, in 1945. He grew up in a wealthy and influential family. His father, Raymond Sackler, co-founded Purdue Pharma with his brothers, Arthur and Mortimer. This family-owned company would later dominate the pharmaceutical industry.
The Sacklers were Jewish immigrants who settled in America before World War I. Richard’s father and uncles were all doctors with a keen interest in medicine. Arthur Sackler, Richard’s uncle, was a marketing genius in pharmaceuticals. His strategies helped Purdue Pharma become a major player in the industry.
Richard followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing a medical career. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University. Later, he completed his medical degree at New York University.
The Sackler family became one of the wealthiest in America. Their influence in medicine and business shaped Richard’s path and legacy.
Richard Sackler Amazing Career
Richard Sackler began his career at Purdue Pharma in 1971. He started as an assistant to his father, learning the business firsthand. Over time, he proved his skills in leadership and innovation.
He held key roles, including head of research and marketing. Sackler played a crucial role in developing OxyContin, approved by the FDA in 1995. This painkiller became a massive success, boosting Purdue Pharma’s profits significantly.
By 1999, Richard became the president of Purdue Pharma. Under his leadership, the company grew rapidly but faced increasing scrutiny. OxyContin was marketed as safe and non-addictive, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
Sackler aggressive marketing strategies contributed to the opioid epidemic in the U.S. Purdue Pharma’s role in this crisis led to lawsuits and public outrage. Despite the controversies, Sackler career highlights his significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry.
Richard Sackler Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | In feet: 5′ 5″ |
| In centimeters: 165 cm | |
| In meters: 1.65 m | |
| Weight | In kilograms: 64.3 kg |
| In pounds: 141.7 lbs | |
| Hair | Gray hair |
| Eyes | Brown |
Richard Sackler Wife/Girlfriend and Relationship state
Richard Sackler was married to Beth Sackler, but they later divorced. Together, they have three children: Rebecca, Marianna, and David. Despite their separation, the family has been active in charitable work.
The Richard and Beth Sackler Foundation focuses on supporting medical advancements and education. In 2009, Richard and Beth worked with his brother Jonathan and sister-in-law Mary to donate $3 million. This donation created the Richard Sackler and Jonathan Sackler Professorship in Internal Medicine.
The title was awarded to Dr. Thomas J. Lynch Jr., a leader at Yale Cancer Center. Their efforts show a deep commitment to improving healthcare.
Richard Sackler and his children continue this legacy of giving. In March, they established The Richard Sackler Family Endowment in Medicine. This initiative supports medical learning and research, emphasizing their dedication to making a difference in healthcare.
Richard Sackler Net Worth
Richard Sackler has an estimated net worth of $10.7 billion. Most of his wealth comes from his involvement with Purdue Pharma. Purdue Pharma is the company behind the painkiller OxyContin, a highly profitable drug.
As the former chairman and president, Sackler played a key role in the company’s success. Despite controversies surrounding OxyContin, his fortune has remained significant. Purdue Pharma faced numerous lawsuits due to its role in the opioid epidemic.
Even after the company filed for bankruptcy in 2019, the Sackler family retained much of their wealth. They have invested in real estate and other ventures to grow their fortune.
Richard Sackle wealth has also been used for philanthropic activities. His family has donated millions to medical research and education. However, his immense fortune continues to spark debate, especially given the controversies surrounding OxyContin and Purdue Pharma.
Richard Sackler Plan and Goals
- Expand Philanthropic Efforts: Richard and his family focus on supporting medical research and education.
- Invest in Real Estate: Despite controversies, the Sackler family continues to invest in property.
- Support Medical Advancements: Through the Sackler Family Endowment, Richard aims to support medical learning.
- Promote Healthcare Solutions: He works to fund initiatives that improve healthcare outcomes.
- Legacy Management: Richard seeks to manage and protect the Sackler family legacy amidst ongoing challenges.
- Maintain Family Wealth: Despite Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy, Richard aims to sustain the family’s fortune through strategic investments.
Richard Sackler on Social Media
| Platform | Presence |
|---|---|
| No official account or public presence | |
| No official account or public presence | |
| No official account or public presence | |
| No public professional profile | |
| TikTok | No official account |
Notable Works and Achievements
Under Richard Sackler leadership, Purdue Pharma introduced OxyContin. This drug was a major advancement in pain management. However, its aggressive marketing and misuse sparked serious problems. The drug’s overuse led to the opioid crisis in the U.S.
Purdue Pharma faced many legal challenges because of this. The company was heavily criticized for downplaying the drug’s risks. Richard Sackler and Purdue became central figures in discussions about the opioid epidemic.
Richard role in these events has been portrayed in popular media. The Hulu miniseries Dopesick (2021) and Netflix’s Painkiller (2023) highlighted the Sackler family’s involvement. In these shows, Richard was played by actors Michael Stuhlbarg and Matthew Broderick.
Despite the controversies, OxyContin’s release changed the pharmaceutical industry forever. Richard Sackler achievements are tied to both medical advancements and widespread criticism for Purdue Pharma’s role in the opioid crisis.
Controversies and Legal Battles
Richard Sackler role in Purdue Pharma sparked massive controversy. The company aggressively marketed OxyContin as a non-addictive painkiller. Later, it was proven that this claim was false and dangerously misleading.
The Sackler family, including Richard, faced thousands of lawsuits. States, local governments, and individuals accused them of fueling the opioid crisis. The aggressive marketing tactics were blamed for addiction and overdose deaths.
OxyContin generated billions for the Sacklers, but the legal fallout was severe. In 2019, Purdue Pharma filed for bankruptcy. This was done to handle the lawsuits and compensate victims of the epidemic.
A proposed settlement suggested turning Purdue Pharma into a public trust. This would remove the Sacklers from control. The settlement also included a $6 billion contribution from the Sacklers. This money was intended to help fight the opioid crisis and provide relief to those affected.
Where is Richard Sackler Now?
Richard Sackler, the former president of Purdue Pharma, now lives in a modest house. He resides in Boca Raton, Florida, valued at $1.7 million.
Recently, his real estate transactions have raised eyebrows. Sackler sold a luxury property in Beverly Hills for $20 million. This sale caught attention, given his connection to the opioid crisis. In August 2021, Richard testified in federal bankruptcy court. He denied any involvement in the opioid crisis and Purdue Pharma’s role.
Despite ongoing legal battles and public criticism, Sackler maintains a private life. He has consistently claimed limited knowledge and responsibility for OxyContin’s impact.
Even after paying $4.5 billion in settlements, the Sacklers still deny blame. The opioid crisis, which has claimed over half a million lives, remains a controversial part of their legacy.
Fun Facts about Richard Sackler Net Worth
- Born Into a Pharma Family
Richard Sackler was born into a family deeply involved in the pharmaceutical industry. His father, Raymond, co-founded Purdue Pharma. - Early Career in Medicine
Richard earned his M.D. from New York University School of Medicine before diving into business. - Helped Develop OxyContin
He played a key role in developing OxyContin, which became a household name in pain relief. - A Fan of Privacy
Despite his fame, Richard has kept a low profile and avoids social media. - Philanthropic Contributions
Richard and his family are involved in charitable giving, especially in medical research and education. - Love for Real Estate
Apart from pharma, the Sacklers have invested heavily in real estate ventures. - Pop Culture Appearances
Richard’s story has been featured in series like Dopesick and Painkiller.
Richard Sackler Video and Images
Frequently Asked Questions about Richard Sackler Net Worth
What is Richard Sackler Net Worth?
Richard Sackler net worth is estimated at $10.7 billion. Much of his wealth comes from his stake in Purdue Pharma, although his fortune has been impacted by legal challenges and settlements related to OxyContin.
Did the Sacklers Get Immunity?
The Sacklers did not receive full immunity. However, as part of the bankruptcy settlement, they agreed to contribute billions of dollars to address the opioid crisis. This has sparked ongoing debate about accountability.
Is OxyContin Still Sold?
Yes, OxyContin is still sold. Purdue Pharma, after bankruptcy, has restructured and continues to sell the drug, though its marketing is heavily regulated now.
Is Raymond Sackler Still Alive?
Raymond Sackler, the patriarch of the Sackler family, passed away in 2017. He co-founded Purdue Pharma and played a significant role in its success.
What Happened with the Sacklers?
The Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, faced immense legal challenges due to the opioid crisis caused by OxyContin. In 2019, Purdue filed for bankruptcy, and the Sacklers have paid billions in settlements. However, they continue to deny any responsibility for the crisis.
Where is Richard Sackler Now?
Richard Sackler currently resides in a modest $1.7 million home in Boca Raton, Florida. Despite his involvement in the opioid crisis, he keeps a low profile and avoids public attention.
What role did Richard Sackler play in the opioid epidemic?
As a former executive at Purdue Pharma, Richard Sackler oversaw the development and marketing of OxyContin, a prescription painkiller that was heavily marketed as a safe and non-addictive medication. However, the drug was highly addictive, and Purdue Pharma’s aggressive marketing tactics contributed to the opioid epidemic that has ravaged the United States in recent years.
Conclusion of Richard Sackler Net Worth
Richard Sackler net worth stands at an estimated $10.7 billion. This wealth primarily comes from his ownership stake in Purdue Pharma. However, his fortune has been impacted by ongoing legal battles surrounding the opioid epidemic.
Sackler’s leadership in the creation and marketing of OxyContin played a significant role in the crisis. Despite this, his family continues to maintain wealth through investments, including real estate.
While Purdue Pharma filed for bankruptcy in 2019, the Sacklers agreed to pay billions in settlements. This was part of efforts to address the damage caused by the opioid crisis.
Though his wealth remains substantial, Richard Sackler legacy is forever intertwined with controversy. His role in Purdue Pharma and the opioid epidemic has led to ongoing scrutiny.
